Eddie Randolph Rowland

Eddie Randolph Rowland, 82 of Smithfield, VA passed away October 11, 2024. He was the son of the late James Rowland and Mary Katherine Poarch Rowland.
Eddie loved his country and served 3 years in the U.S. Army, Combat Engineers in Korea, 159th Heavy Boat Transportation, and 301st Signal Division. He was a long-time member of The American Legion George Dashiell's Post 49 and member of Veterans of Foreign War Post 8545 where he became the commander of the Fine Group of Comrades for 2 years. Eddie and Charlie White were instrumental in obtaining a home for the group located at 232 James St. He was also a member of the Smithfield Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Kawanis Club, Moose Lodge 1711 for 26 years, and the Smithfield Merchants Association, as well as a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. Eddie was in the retail hardware business for 49 years until he retired in 2006. He then worked small repair items from his garage. He loved gardening and his yard work. He was spirited, outspoken, loyal, and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elsie Kaye O'Berry Rowland; brother, James L. Rowland (Coochie); sisters, Betty J. Wilson, Coraless Fleming, Joyce Green, Lois Ann Little, Lucy Gwaltney, and Mary K. Boyd; grandson, Jesse Stanley, Jr.; and foster daughter, Theresa Marshall.
A graveside service will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Mill Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery, 6329 Mill Swamp Rd. Ivor, VA 23866. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545, 223 Washington St. Smithfield, VA 23430. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, Downtown Suffolk Chapel is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.